A memorial service will be held next week to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the University of Newcastle's most respected scholars, Emeritus Professor John Keats.

Well known internationally in his field of mathematical psychology, Emeritus Professor Keats was appointed the Foundation Professor of Psychology in 1965, a position he held until his retirement in 1986.

During that time he also held a number of significant positions in the University, including Dean of Arts, Dean of Science and Dean of Mathematics.

In recent years Emeritus Professor Keats worked with his wife and Conjoint Professor, Daphne Keats, in cross-cultural psychology through which they had strong international links, particularly in China.

They created the 'John and Daphne Keats Endowment Research Fund' in 2000 to support post graduate researchers and junior staff.

The fund has supported a range of projects including research into memory systems and the development of a cross-cultural response to HIV/AIDS in ethnic communities in China.

University of Newcastle Chancellor, Professor Trevor Waring, said Emeritus Professor Keats would be remembered as a person with a great passion for academia.

"John made an enormous contribution to the University, in particular through supporting students and encouraging the pursuit of academic and research excellence," Professor Waring said.

"The University was privileged to have worked with John for so long and his contributions to the institution will never be forgotten."

A memorial service will be held for Emeritus Professor Keats on Monday 11 February at 11am in the Keats Reading Room, Psychology Building, Callaghan campus.

Media are welcome to attend.